Members of American Legion Post 44 in Ridgefield will once again distribute crepe paper poppies in observance of Memorial Day.
This year, the members will be at two locations: in front of the Battle Ground Fred Meyer on Sat., May 23 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and also in front of the Battle Ground Walmart on Fri., May 22, from 4-8 p.m.
The veterans will distribute the poppies, which are to be worn in remembrance to fallen veterans from World War I to the present.
Post 44 members will also distribute poppies at the Starliner Food Mart in Ridgefield and Vancouver Farmers Market Volcano Garden Art on Sat., May 23, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Poppies have been distributed by American Legion Post 44 members since its charter in 2007. All American Legion Posts and Auxiliary Units have distributed poppies nationwide.
The Poppy Program for Veterans is the oldest and likely the best known of any of the many programs of the American Legion. Auxiliary and Post volunteers distribute millions of poppies every year in return for donations, both large and small.
The money donated is used exclusively to assist veterans and their families. Locally, all monies received will go directly to the veterans hospitalized at the VA hospital in Vancouver.
The crepe paper poppies are made by hospitalized veterans provide a small income, therapy and will help build the veteran’s self esteem. In the community, the little red flowers are intended to remind the world that the sacrifice of veterans has not been forgotten. The poppies are worn proudly as a symbol in memory of those who died.
The Memorial Day Poppy was created in 1915 when Lt. Colonel John McCrae noticed a beautiful field of red poppies growing where a massive battle had taken place and the poppies reminded him of the blood that had been spilled by so many soldiers during the battle.
Lt. Colonel McCrae wrote a poem called In Flanders Field, which is still a reminder to all that the soldiers who died should not have died in vain. Rather, the belief is that the soldiers left others the challenge to carry on their fight for freedom and that what they did was worth the battle they fought only if others do everything they can to maintain that freedom.
